The Influence of Anderson

In the world of Wes Anderson, inspiration is a two-way street. We’ve selected our favourite in-film fashions, notable collaborations and Anderson-inspired catwalk collections.

Gucci

Over the years and across an entire filmography, Wes Anderson and his celluloid cohorts have fostered a somewhat symbiotic relationship between film and fashion. It should come as little surprise then, that Anderson’s endearing exercises in visual virtuosity not only showcase the latest and greatest from the catwalks of Milan, Paris and London, but inspire them too. Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, is one such Andersonian-inspired trailblazer.

Michele ushered in a daring change in artistic direction for Gucci when he took the reins in 2015. Forerunning and forward-thinking fashionista, Vogue, were quick to comment on a distinctly Andersonian influence running through Michele’s first catwalk offerings as head of the empire. At the 2015 Milan Fashion Week, Michele swapped out sleeker silhouettes for bolder, box-ier cuts and vintage inspired textures. The result was a quirky and markedly Andersonian aesthetic that revelled a playfulness and whimsicality quite uncharacteristic of the stoic Milanese powerhouse that is Gucci.

Fast forward to Gucci’s Pre-Fall 2018 lookbook, shot in Rome by none other than Peter Schlesinger. The collection offers up further Royal Tenenbaums-esque combinations, such as the oddly iconic sporting headband and and juxtaposing, oversized, camel suit jacket à la Riche Tenenbaum.

The Marc Jacob/Louis Vuitton Suits – The Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited’s very own posters boys of preppy privilege can be seen galavanting around India in fully-bespoke, Marc Jacobs-designed, Louis Vuitton suits and accompanying collaborative valises. Designed by Jacobs towards the end of his 7-year tenure at Louis Vuitton, the eagle-eyed amongst you might have spotted that the suits in question are flannel, back-belted riffs on the classic Norfolk sporting suit. The said-same style of suit makes a second appearance seven years later in The Grand Budapest Hotel, where it is worn by both Jude Law and Tom Wilkinson.

The Adidas Rom Runners – The Life Aquaticwith Steve Zissou

Without a doubt, the utilitarian, ocean blue boiler suits and matching Adidas Rom Runners of The Life Aquaticwith Steve Zissou are every bit as memorable as the film’s furtive Jaguar Shark. The real showstoppers, however, are the Team Zissou’s sneaker sponsors: None other than Adidas themselves. Based on the classic Rom Runner, the Zissou shoe quickly became a much-coveted customization following its silver-screen cameo. Last year – a full 13 years after the film’s initial release – Adidas dropped a limited run of 100 pairs of the Zissou’s Rom Runners. They’re all but sold out. Trust us. We checked.

The Firebird Tracksuit – The Royal Tenenbaums

By all accounts, Chas Tenenbaum’sAdidas Firebird tracksuit is as instantly recognisable as it is endearingly garish. Unfortunately, the original tracksuit can only be found by the most dedicated of thrifters and replica hunters. For those willing to spend big, however, Gucci’s 2017 Technical Jersey offers up a similarly riotous sportswear combo that wears its Royal Tenenbaums-inspired excess on its illuminous orange, polyester-cotton blend, jacquard-trimmed sleeve. The tracksuit is perfectly suited for sporting events, all round leisure activities and, of course, routine, OCD-driven, PTSD-fuelled fire safety drills with the kids.

Riding Leathers – The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel’s almost-silent assassin, J.G. Jopling has but a handful of lines throughout the film, but his leather riding coat – designed by award-winning Milena Canonero and made by none other than Prada – speaks for itself. A knee-length nod to the German Kradmantel, Jopling’s leather riding coat cuts a villainously efficient figure, complete with a button-down, drunk pocket and paired perfectly with his Waris Ahluwalia-designed, twin-set knuckle-dusters. The quiet confidence and no-nonsense nature of the leather coat makes it a worthy addition to any wardrobe. The bespoke knuckle-dusters? Not so much.

Words By Will Halbert
Imagery by Peter Schlesinger/Gucci (courtesy of Selfridges), United Archives GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo